For Immediate Release
September 15, 1999

Contact:
Beryl Wolfe
(207) 775-5115

Regional Transportation Program (RTP), a non-profit community transportation provider in Cumberland County for 23 years, has added a propane-fueled bus to its fleet, continuing its pledge to utilize alternative fuels. The 20-passenger bus, which arrived Thursday, September 2, will be used on the Portland/Bath commuter service the agency sponsors.

RTP's new vehicle is the first purpose-built alternative fuel bus in its fleet and the first of its kind operating in southern Maine. Four years ago, RTP converted to propane a conventional fueled bus, which is still providing door to door rides to a variety of populations in Cumberland County.

"The Portland/Bath commuter service, introduced in the summer of 1997, has been very successful," said Jon McNulty, executive director of RTP and president of the Maine Transit Association. "So it only makes sense to add this environmentally advanced vehicle to our fleet to allow us to enhance that program and serve more commuters."

Last spring, the Greater Portland Clean Cities Program, of which RTP is a member, collaborated with Suburban Propane at Thompson's Point to acquire and install a new fast-fill propane pump. "This key piece of propane fueling infrastructure was the crucial element in our decision to buy the new propane bus," McNulty added.

Specialty Coach and Bus, Inc., of Merrimack, N.H., sold the bus to RTP. Called a Blue Bird Transhuttle, the vehicle, featuring air-conditioning and two wheelchair tie-down stations, has a 300-mile cruising range. Propane burns cleaner than gasoline or diesel fuels. RTP expects to save on operating costs of the new bus over its 10 year rated life expectancy, mainly by keeping regular maintenance costs low.

Established in 1976, RTP is a United Way agency located at 127 St. John Street in Portland. The agency traditionally provides rides to the elderly, the disabled and clients of social service agencies in Cumberland County to medical appointments and other necessary services. To schedule a ride or find out more about the Portland/Bath commuter program, call 774-2666.

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